Spain: Restrictions on Atheists’ March to Protest Pope’s Visit

Madrid, Aug 9 (Prensa Latina) Spanish organizations on Tuesday protested restrictions imposed by the Madrid government on a demonstration scheduled for Aug. 17 to protest what they say is an inappropriate visit by Pope Benedict XVI.

The march, organized by more than 100 secular associations, labor unions and left-wing parties, was set to take place when the Pope arrives.

Luis Vega, president of the Madrid Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (AMAL), says the restrictions are unconstitutional and “disregard 100 organizations that support us.”

The AMAL believes that the government wants to hid the march by trying to limit it to a location outside the route of the Pope’s tour in downtown Madrid.

Organizers want to express their disagreement at the Spanish government paying for the Pope’s visit.

The Madrid government claims in a report that the presence of conflicting groups could create an atmosphere of tension or a challenge for public safety.